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Mental Health is Health Care

The Military Health System has many resources available to help any service member, families, or veteran beneficiaries who are struggling with mental health challenges.

Military families' lives are generally very different from others. Service members may be subject to frequent relocations, deployments, and stressful experiences due to combat and time away from their families. Families cope with additional stressors when their loved ones are deployed, managing family life on the home front. Traumatic events such as combat, assault, or disasters can have long-lasting negative effects like trouble sleeping, increased anger, nightmares, anxiety, and alcohol and drug abuse. These factors combined with changes we've experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic may weigh on many.

Everyone reacts to stress and traumatic experiences differently, and while some have reactions that can be seen as normal responses to life events, others may experience signs or symptoms of more serious conditions.

You are not alone.

If you're concerned that you or a loved one may be experiencing mental illness, you are not alone. Mental health is an important part of overall health and well-being, yet mental illness affects millions of people worldwide. Mental health disorders include anxiety, depression, seasonal affective disorder, or more serious illnesses as bipolar disorder, major depression, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and more. Unfortunately, most people with mental illness do not receive mental health services that they need.

Do what feels right for you.

There isn't one way to think or feel or act. The important thing is to take advantage of all mental health care resources. Remember that every moment in time can affect you and others differently. Treatment works and it is available.

Image of a U.S. Marine on a black background with the text, Treatment Works Mental Health is Health Care

Military Health System Resources

InTransition Program

The inTransition Program is a free confidential program that provides specialized coaching and assistance for service members, National Guard members, reservists, veterans, and retirees who need access to mental health care when relocating to another assignment, returning from deployment, transitioning between active duty and the Reserve component, preparing to leave military service, or any other time they need a new mental health provider, or need a provider for the first time.

Military Crisis Line

The Military Crisis Line, text-messaging service, and online chat provide free support for all service members, including members of the National Guard and Reserve, and all veterans, even if they are not registered with the Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA) or enrolled in VA health care.

Military Health System Web Pages

There are two sources of information on our MHS websites.

Military Hospitals and Clinics

Mental health often provide mental health services, including integrated behavioral health clinics. Contact your primary care manager to see if this resource is available at your local military hospital or clinic. If it is, then you can schedule an appointment same day. To find your military hospital or clinic:

Military OneSource

Military OneSource can provide access to confidential Military Family Life Counselors in your community. Military OneSource also provides resources so you can manage stress and access benefits and tools that will help you stay strong in body and mind. This page provides access to self-care mobile applications developed within the Department of Defense, VA and other partners. All mobile applications are free and for iOS and/or Android devices.

Psychological Health Resource Center

The Psychological Health Resource Center is available 24/7 for service members, veterans, and family members with questions about psychological health topics. Trained mental health consultants can help you access mental health care and community support resources in your local area.

Real Warriors Campaign

The Real Warriors Campaign aims to break down the stigma associated with mental health care and encourages service members to reach out for help when they need it. Find articles with support resources, video profiles with service member and veteran stories, and materials to download or order.

VA Resources

The VA addresses the events unfolding in Afghanistan and encourages veterans to talk with friends and families, reach out to battle buddies, connect with a peer-to-peer network, or sign up for mental health services. Here is a list of common reactions and coping advice. >>View the latest VA blog to learn more

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Last Updated: December 12, 2022
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